Jesse James Said Adoption Brought Him Closer to Sandra Bullock

May 26, 2010 04:35:53 GMT

He opened up about the adoption process, admitting he was sad when seeing Sandra on a magazine cover as a single mother to Louis.

Photo credit: Doug Meszler/WENN

Jesse James felt closer than ever to Sandra Bullock after the adoption of their baby son Louis and he's "sad" to see her experience parenthood as a single mum. Little Louis joined Bullock and James' family in January but the adoption was kept a secret for months, even during the couple's split after the TV mechanic's affairs were exposed in the press.

Bullock went public with her baby joy in a People magazine exclusive in April, and now James reveals the former couple only had one major requirement when they were looking for a kid to adopt - and New Orleans, Louisiana, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was the perfect place.

He tells U.S. newswoman Vicki Mabrey, "We found out around Christmas time and we got him on New Year's Day. I didn't care what color he was. My only prerequisite for adopting a baby, I want a baby who needs us the most." James admits the adoption brought new life to their marriage, just days before his cheating scandal hit the headlines: "I found a new trust for her, like I knew she wasn't going to leave, and our relationship blossomed."

And James admits he was "sad" to see the magazine cover of Bullock enjoying life as a single mum because he had taken part in the photoshoot just days before the actress walked out on him. He says, "It made me sad, but I realize why things have to be done in a certain way. To see her in the role of mother is like one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. I mean, she is like a fish to water, as soon as she put that baby in her hands, it was automatic and amazing."

The full interview with James aired on U.S. news show "Nightline" on Tuesday, May 25.